Poker Run - Ride Report

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08-22-2011, 08:55 AM

Sparky-88

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Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Huntsville, AL

Posts: 1,136

Poker Run - Ride Report

I realize this is the Monte Carlo Forum, but I wanted to share a fun motorcycling event my wife and I participated in this weekend.

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ontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> Saturday was the Operation Stand Down Poker Run sponsored by the local chapter of the Combat Veteran’s Motorcycle Association. It was one of many nationwide fundraisers for Operation Stand Down, a Nashville based charity founded to aid homeless veterans. For the uninitiated, a Poker Run is a typical motorcycle event where you ride to different locations and pick up a card to build a poker hand. At the end of the ride, prizes are usually given for the best and worst hands.

Since it was already hot when we started, rather than riding all the way across town to start the ride at Rocket Harley Davidson (they sponsored the ride), my wife and I headed south to Arab, AL, to Big D’s Cycle to pick up our first card. It was a nice ride down AL Hwy 431 to Guntersville, then west on AL Hwy 69 to Arab. Beautiful scenery along the way.

Still lots of tornado damage visible along stretches of road from the 27 April storms that ripped through this part of the country. We decided to purchase and play two separate poker hands and pulled our first cards for each hand at Big D’s.

We then rode north along AL Hwy 231 to Chips & Salsa, a bar/grill in Huntsville, where we grabbed two cards each for our hands. By this time we were hot/sweaty and needed a break so we stayed awhile and enjoyed a cool drink and snack. The snack ended up taking almost an hour (only one person working the kitchen - what's up with that?), so we were behind schedule and in a bit of a hurry when we finally hit the road again.

Next stop was just a few miles away at Blackwater Hatties, another bar/grill in town. We just grabbed a card for each of our hands and headed back out.

Our last stop was at Rocket City Harley Davidson where we picked up our final cards and turned in our hands. We had perfectly mediocre poker hands; no winners that day. There were lots of door prizes, a raffle, and a 50/50 cash raffle. We were one number away from a $50 gift certificate to Hooters and 10 numbers away from the 50/50 cash prize (about $150). So we left with nothing but with smiles. We had a good time and the event raised over $5,000 dollars to aid homeless vet’s in our area. It was a good day. I hope to take part in the event again next year.

Last edited by Sparky-88; 08-22-2011 at 09:16 AM. Reason: Fixing pic's

08-22-2011, 09:46 AM

AwesomeSS

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Great pics - looks like a real fun time. I've never been on a poker run before.

08-22-2011, 03:59 PM

lougreen03

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poker runs seem like they would be a good time for sure. I have never ridden a street motorcycle and according to my wife never will.LOL Glad you had fun.

08-22-2011, 04:13 PM

Sparky-88

Thread Starter

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Huntsville, AL

Posts: 1,136

Quote:

Originally Posted by lougreen03

... I have never ridden a street motorcycle and according to my wife never will.LOL Glad you had fun.

Long before we got married, my wife knew that I was into motorcycles. And luckily she enjoys riding with me as well. In fact, she's the one who wanted to upgrade to a bigger bike recently. My previous ride, a '97 Honda VFR750, was an awesome performer and great commuter but not particularly well-suited for two-up riding. My new ride is bigger and much more comfy for her.

08-22-2011, 04:19 PM

77gp

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Looks like fun. Glad to see you are a safe rider with the helmet.

08-22-2011, 06:21 PM

Ricks 2006 SS

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Wish you had more pictures. I sort of miss the poker Runs. I rode for over 32 yrs. Thinking of selling the Chevelle and getting my 8th Harley !

08-23-2011, 07:31 AM

Sparky-88

Thread Starter

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Huntsville, AL

Posts: 1,136

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricks 2006 SS

Wish you had more pictures. I sort of miss the poker Runs. I rode for over 32 yrs. Thinking of selling the Chevelle and getting my 8th Harley !

I forgot my camera - doh! At least my wife snapped a few with her phone. I should have asked her to take more at the stops. Just looking at all the bikes was fun.

Even though I love riding, I don't think I'd part with an old Chevelle like yours just to get another bike. That's a sweeeeeet old car.

08-25-2011, 10:41 PM

Ricks 2006 SS

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Location: Albertville MN

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Harley

Hi Dave. Theres an old saying. If I have to explain...You'll never understand ......It's a long story and i don't think you have the time to listen to why i feel this way! I've rode Harley's for around 35 yrs . I thought this Muscle car thing was cool at 1st. I've always had nice car's. Some fast,some not back in the day. But once I was bit by the Motorcycle thing. I never looked back... I just thing it's time to get back to where I belong. Not that I'm even thinking of selling the Monte. ....Got to have nice wheels to go with the Bike. But theres not enough garage space or retirement income for me to have 3 toys. So something has to move on. And since the Chevelle spends most of the time in the garage. It's the likely choice...Not saying it's going to happen over night. But I think soon ! Not looking for a new bike. Just a used one in great condition. That I can make it my own. Life moves on !

08-26-2011, 04:45 AM

Space

Join Date: Jul 2008

Location: Beach`in Florida

Posts: 33,585

Hi `Dave,
Thanks for posting & sharing your photo's and words on your adventure "Poker Run" for a super cause.
I really enjoy when member's post what is happening in their life that is fun + to help others 4-Sure.

Sorry I'm late on my posts, still catching `up on the MCF & in life...It's great that you had good weather & a safe journey.

Thank You!